Preview: Withering Looks, Custom House, South Shields, March 19

A MUCH-LOVED theatre duo comes to The Customs House as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations.

Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding , who are known as LipService, are affectionately known as “Britain’s favourite literary lunatics.”

To celebrate they have decided to reprise one of their most popular shows, Withering Looks – a spoof of the classic Bronte novel Wuthering Heights.

Maggie said: “We couldn’t turn down the opportunity to dust off our crinolines, wear flattering bonnets and sit at rained-lashed windows in a pale and decorative manner.”

Withering Looks takes an “authentic” look at the lives and works of the Bronte sisters – well, two of them – Anne’s just popped out for a cup of sugar. Withering Looks has already won a Manchester Evening News Theatre Award and the Critics Award for Comedy at the Edinburgh Festival.

Customs House executive director Ray Spencer said: “I am delighted to welcome Lip Service to The Customs House for what will be a fantastic take on a wonderful story.

“If you are a fan of the ‘classics’ you don’t want to miss this show.”